This bill amends Massachusetts law to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and operation of robotic devices equipped with weapons, while allowing exceptions for law enforcement, the military, and specific testing or educational uses. It establishes strict penalties for violating these rules, including mandatory prison sentences without the possibility of probation or parole, and criminalizes using such robots to threaten, harass, or physically restrain individuals. Additionally, the legislation requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before deploying armed robots on private property or for surveillance, mandates quarterly public reporting on their use, and grants individuals the right to sue for damages if the law is violated.
This bill mandates that Massachusetts begin offering universal newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) starting July 1, 2027. The legislation requires hospitals and birthing facilities to test all newborns using saliva or urine PCR tests, with results shared with parents, doctors, and the state within 21 days of birth. Healthcare providers must also provide expectant parents with evidence-based information about CMV prevention and support resources during prenatal and postnatal care visits. While the bill includes a religious exemption allowing parents to opt out of the screening, it also establishes a new advisory committee to oversee the program's implementation and ensure accurate testing standards.
This bill allows restaurants, schools, sports leagues, and other public venues to purchase and keep epinephrine autoinjectors on-site to treat severe allergic reactions. To do so, these locations must get approval from the state department, ensure their staff completes specific emergency training, and store the devices in easily accessible places. Trained employees are authorized to use these injectors on anyone showing signs of anaphylaxis, even if the person does not have a personal prescription for the medication. The law also provides legal protection from lawsuits for these venues and their staff when administering the drug in good faith, while requiring them to report each use to the state for public analysis.
Senate, May 5, 2026 -- Text of the Senate amendment (Ways and Means) to the House Bill making appropriations for the fiscal year 2027 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements (House, No. 5501)
This bill updates the City of Holyoke Charter to clarify how vacancies in the Mayor's office are handled. It removes references to the city treasurer and establishes specific rules for filling these gaps, such as requiring a new election if the vacancy occurs more than six months before the municipal year ends. If the vacancy happens within the final six months, the city council has the discretion to either call a new election or fill the seat directly. The changes take effect immediately upon passing.
This bill amends the Holyoke City Charter to establish a two-year residency requirement for anyone seeking elected office in the city. Under the new rule, candidates must be U.S. citizens and have lived in Holyoke for at least two years before they are eligible to run for any elected position. The change takes effect immediately upon passage and applies to all future elections, ensuring that only long-term residents can hold public office.
This bill updates Holyoke's city charter to clarify when an elected or appointed office becomes vacant. It specifies that a vacancy occurs if an official stops living in the city or is convicted of a crime that could lead to imprisonment. The changes apply to all positions established under the city's current laws and take effect immediately upon passing.
HD 424 requires greater transparency for Massachusetts municipalities and public employers purchasing health insurance. It defines "Broker" (who places plans with insurers) and "Consultant" (who advises on plan options), mandating that brokers disclose their commission rates to insurers and that both consultants and brokers must clearly state their fees in contracts. The bill prohibits consultants from also acting as brokers for the same public entity. These provisions directly affect local governments and public employers managing health insurance benefits, aiming to clarify costs and prevent conflicts of interest in insurance contracting.
By Representative Badger of Plymouth, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michelle L. Badger and Joan B. Lovely relative to student access to food and nutritional information. Higher Education.
This bill ensures Eileen Mullen, a Massachusetts teacher, receives credit for her 2010-2013 teaching service at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School toward her retirement benefits. It requires the Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement Board to count this service time for calculating her retirement allowance, overriding standard rules. Mullen must repay the retirement system for the deductions she would have paid during that period, plus interest, before her retirement benefits take effect. The bill applies solely to Mullen and does not affect her other retirement benefits.
This bill authorizes Massachusetts' Division of Capital Asset Management to transfer two specific parcels of land in Bolton to the town of Bolton. The parcels include a corner of the former Lancaster Industrial School for Girls and the Bolton dam, which Bolton can only use for general municipal purposes (like parks or infrastructure), with a reversion clause ensuring the land returns to the state if not used properly. The state must obtain an independent appraisal (reviewed by the Inspector General) to set the fair market value, and if Bolton doesn't purchase by December 31, 2025, the state may sell or lease the land via competitive bidding. All proceeds from any sale would go to the state General Fund.
Senate, July 31, 2025 -- Text of the Senate Bill to promote student learning and mental health (Senate, No. 2581) (being the text of Senate document numbered 2561, printed as amended)
